At once, the mighty doors swung open with a groan, and the murmuring within the hall came to an abrupt halt. All eyes turned toward the sisters, their collective gazes rendered speechless by the ethereal beauty of the two women standing at the threshold. Selina's steady steps set the rhythm, the hem of her the deep blue fabric shimmering trailing across the red carpet embroidered with phoenixes, their wings spread in glorious ascent. Alicia followed close behind, while she scanned the crowd.
The throne room was filled to capacity nobles of the highest rank, village leaders, and dignitaries from neighboring kingdoms all assembled in solemn expectation. Alicia swept her gaze across the room, her steps faltered.
Her breath hitched. Could it be him?
Amidst the sea of noble attire, she thought she caught sight of a face she hadn't seen in years Jake. His form, wrapped in royal garments, stood among the honored guests, but when the man turned, the face wasn't his. Alicia's heart twisted painfully as doubt clawed at her. No, it couldn't be… Had her mind played a cruel trick on her?
Selina turned, her sharp eyes catching Alicia's hesitation. "What is it?" she whispered, her brow furrowed in concern.
Alicia forced a strained smile. "Nothing. Let's keep going."
The sisters resumed their path down the regal aisle, but Alicia's unease remained. They reached the altar where the high priest stood, holding a vial of sacred oil aloft, his voice echoing through the chamber. The priest stepped aside, revealing the figure behind him. The girls recognized him instantly it was Jake, though he was dressed in the same ceremonial attire as Selina. The two sisters exchanged bewildered glances, wondering what he was doing there.
Alicia felt a knot tighten in her chest, realizing her instincts had been right when she spotted him earlier among the crowd. Selina gave Alicia a subtle look that said, Don't make a scene now wait until later. Taking the hint, Alicia composed herself and stayed silent, though she couldn't ignore the strange feeling that something was off. What troubled her even more was that their parents showed no hint of surprise. It was as if they had expected this all along.
Jake stepped forward, standing beside Selina as the priest began.
"By the grace of the heavens and the might of our ancestors, I anoint thee, Selina and Jake, as the sovereign rulers of Zeuong. May the wisdom of the stars guide your path, the strength of the earth steady your hand, and the flame of the phoenix light your way," the priest declared solemnly.
The sisters froze, shocked along with the rest of the audience. No one had anticipated this twist. They had all expected Selina to be crowned the sole ruler. But now, a second sovereign stood beside her Jake. Alicia's mind whirled with confusion, trying to make sense of it all. Why Jake? she wondered.
The sacred oil touched Selina and Jake's foreheads, Selina's heart pounded with frustration. Why is Jake being anointed alongside me? she thought, her mind racing. She felt as if she had been dragged into something without her consent, deceived by those she trusted. But she clenched her fists and kept her composure. She would wait for the ceremony to end. Then, she would demand answers from her parents.
A wave of warmth spread through both Selina and Jake, as if the ancient powers of the land were flowing through their veins. They could feel the weight of every monarch who came before them their sacrifices, their victories, and their burdens. It was as though the legacy of Zeuong had settled within their very souls.
The Duke of Tharion, his armor gleaming like polished silver under the sunlight, approached with a crown cradled in his hands. But to the crowd's astonishment, another duke stepped forward, holding an identical crown. The jewels embedded in each crown shimmered like embers, casting a warm glow as they were lifted high for all to see.
The audience erupted into murmurs, buzzing with confusion. Why are there two crowns instead of one? they wondered. As Alicia took in the sight, everything clicked into place like the final piece of a puzzle. Suddenly, she understood.
"By the ancient law of this land, and with the consent of its people," the Duke of Tharion announced, his voice filled with solemn authority, "I crown thee, Selina and Jake of the House of Sylphyr, Queen and King of Zeuong. Long may you reign in peace and prosperity, for the good of all."
Alicia felt the words hit her like a blow, her strength draining from her body. Memories surged through her mind in reverse—her and Jake's breakup, every moment of heartbreak, until she found herself at the beginning, back to the first time they met in the castle. It was as though those memories were being erased, rewritten by the cruel reality unfolding before her. Her heart shattered into countless pieces, remembering the moment Jake had told her he couldn't marry a princess because of their differences in status. And now, she thought bitterly, he stands here as king, ready to marry my sister. The betrayal cut deeper than she had ever imagined.
Selina, too, felt a storm of fury rising within her as the truth dawned on her. This was all planned, she realized with growing anger. Jake, the man who had broken her sister's heart, now stood beside her, crowned king. How could he manipulate his way to power like this? The thought that she was now tied to the very person who had caused Alicia such pain made her blood boil. She had been deceived dragged into this marriage without knowing the full story.
The weighty crowns were placed on their heads, heavier than Selina had anticipated, she closed her eyes for a moment, trying to steady herself. But when she felt a hand on hers, she opened her eyes and saw Jake. He gave her a small, reassuring smile as he gently led her toward the twin thrones.
Selina clenched her jaw, hatred simmering beneath the surface. You've fooled everyone, Jake, she thought darkly as they reached the thrones and took their seats. But you won't get away with what you've done to my sister. I'll make sure you regret every moment of it.
The she sat beside him, the crown pressing heavily on her brow, Selina's heart burned with silent rage. She vowed that one day, Jake would understand the cost of betrayal and he would pay for every ounce of pain he had caused.
They take them seat upon the throne. As they did everyone seated too including the royal family, the phoenixes carved into the throne seemed to glow, the gems catching the light in a way that made them almost pulse with life.
The hall fell into silence as all eyes turned to them. It was her moment to speak but she has to share it to her new found enemy. They rose from the throne, her gown trailing behind her, shimmering like the night sky. She looked over her people them to jake knowing that her day gotten sour just by staring at his face so she returns her gaze to her people and smile before saying a words tothem "By the will of the gods, and with the trust you have bestowed upon us, we accept this crown and the responsibility it bears. We swear to defend zeuong with all our might, to uphold justice for the lowliest of our people and the noblest among us. We will walk the path of my ancestors, but we shall not fear to forge new trails where needed and when it to fight evil either for the surface of the air you will fight to the end and bring back victory to your kingdom ." She turn to look at Jake with a dark grin and look at her people with smile as she continues while everyone listen when Jake take over the other talking part which got her blood to boiled more. "Our kingdom has weathered many storms," he continued, his gaze sweeping the hall, "yet it stands strong because of its people. Know this: we shall not be your King and queen alone. We hall be your shield, your sword, and your guide as we enter this new era together as family."
A thunderous cheer erupted from the crowd. The hall came alive with the sound of celebration, the banners of the phoenix fluttering as though in response to the people's joy. The guards raised their banners in unison, their armor gleaming in the golden light. Flowers white lilies and red roses filled the air with their sweet fragrance, a symbol of purity and the strength of the royal bloodline.
Selina have to put on face smile with Jake so nobody will not noticed, as they took they place upon the throne. The kingdom of Zeuong was hers to protect not by a deceiver who claims to be a king she laughed in her mind with a dark grin wide In her thought, she can't wait for everything to end so she can comfort her parents
Jake met her gaze, unreadable.
And so, the Queen of Zeuong sat upon her throne, with a deceiver by her side. But Selina knew one thing for certain this game wasn't over yet. Not by a long shot.
There are still many untold stories waiting to unfold. Discover more in the next chapter of Secret Spy.
Don't forget to add it to your library, leave a comment, cast your vote, and share your review to show your support.
Every bit of feedback helps the author grow and craft an even better journey for you.